didn't really see a thread for mixing vocals, so thought i'd make one myself.
some personal tips of mine:
- if you're having trouble getting your vocals to punch through a mix, try using a mid-side EQ and scooping out around 1k-2k by a few db in the mid channel, like so. (this tip only really applies if you're mixing vocals over a wav/mp3 instrumental that you don't have much control of. if you have control over the instrumental, eq the problem elements and not the whole master channel for better results.)
- alternatively, using sidechain on a multiband compressor around 1k-2k with a fast attack and medium-slow release can achieve the same effect, and can preserve the mids when the vocals aren't present
- ad-libs sound cool with a bit of the haas effect, but be careful because they can disappear when listening in mono
- to add some buildup to the vocals, make a duplicate vocal channel and throw a long tailed reverb on it set to 100% wet. cut off the first bit of the vocal (example) then bounce the channel to a wav file. delete the first bit where the vocals are playing (example) then reverse the bounce. move it over to before the start of the vocals, mess around with the fades, lower the volume and bam, you've got yourself a nice buildup/riser (example). i personally also like to throw a frequency shifter set to ring with automation set to go from 1hz to 10hz for a cool effect.
i'm not the best producer in the world so i have no clue if any of these tips are "right" per-se, but they do sound damn good imo when used correctly.